What's happened
Research in the European Heart Journal shows Covid infection can speed up blood vessel aging, especially in women. Vaccinated individuals experience less arterial stiffening and symptom stabilization compared to unprotected. The study tested nearly 2,500 people, measuring vascular age six and 12 months post-infection, revealing increased arterial stiffness linked to higher cardiovascular risk.
What's behind the headline?
The study underscores Covid's long-term vascular effects, particularly in women, due to immune response differences. The finding that arterial stiffening correlates with increased cardiovascular risk highlights the importance of vaccination, which appears to mitigate these effects. The data suggests that Covid may cause 'early vascular aging,' making individuals more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. This research should prompt healthcare providers to monitor vascular health in Covid survivors, especially women, and reinforce vaccination campaigns. The differential impact on women may be linked to immune system responses, which both protect and damage blood vessels. The study's longitudinal approach, measuring vascular age at multiple points, provides compelling evidence of Covid's lasting influence on cardiovascular health.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the study tested nearly 2,500 people globally, finding that Covid infection increases arterial stiffness, especially in women, with vaccination offering protective benefits. Lead researcher Professor Bruno emphasized the importance of early risk identification. The article notes that increased arterial stiffness is equivalent to aging five years and raises the risk of cardiovascular events by 3% in 60-year-old women. The study also highlights the potential for Covid to cause 'early vascular aging,' which could lead to higher heart disease susceptibility. The article discusses the immune response differences between genders and the virus's action on blood vessel receptors.
The previous article from The Independent confirms these findings, emphasizing the significance of vaccination in reducing arterial stiffening and stabilizing symptoms over time. Both articles focus on the long-term vascular effects of Covid, with the latest update providing more detailed data on the degree of arterial stiffening and its implications.
The articles from The Independent are consistent in their presentation, with no significant contradictions. They collectively reinforce the importance of vaccination and early intervention to prevent long-term cardiovascular damage caused by Covid. The research's global scope and detailed methodology strengthen the credibility of the findings, making this a critical area for ongoing medical attention and public health messaging.
How we got here
The study builds on previous research indicating Covid's ability to affect blood vessels directly. It involved nearly 2,500 participants worldwide, categorizing them based on Covid severity and hospitalization status. The research used a device measuring blood pressure wave travel to assess vascular age, revealing that Covid infection accelerates arterial stiffening, which is associated with increased heart disease risk.
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